The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office on Friday announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested several Venezuelan gang members in El Paso County.

According to a news release, ICE notified Sheriff Joe Roybal that the detained suspects were members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The release did not state how many alleged gang members had been arrested, or what charges they may face.

In recent weeks, a group of Colorado law enforcement and elected officials, including Roybal and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, have spoken publicly in support of legislation that would increase their ability to work with ICE to arrest and prosecute violent criminals living in the U.S. illegally.

“Sadly, politics have failed the citizens of Colorado when it comes to dealing with illegal immigration and the negative consequences,” Roybal said during a February news conference.

“The legislation and laws signed into effect have made Colorado a haven for criminal immigrants. I’ll repeat that: Colorado is a haven for criminal immigrations. To address these violent criminals, we must have our hands unshackled by these Colorado laws.”

On Feb. 25, Senate Bill 25-047, Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law, was brought before the state Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. After hearing arguments for and against the bill, the committee voted 3-2 against the legislation.

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